Formal Dresses
Windsor’s formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
Now Trending
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments
Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.
Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion
The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.
How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?
Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.
What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?
The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.
Can Formal Dresses Be Short?
Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.
Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?
Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.
How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?
Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.
What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?
Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.
Make Your Formal Moment Your Own
Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.
-
Elara Lace Strapless Corset Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Flirty yet refined, the Elara strapless mini dress stuns with a lace corset bodice and ruched skirt that contours every curve. Sparkling embellishments add the perfect touch of glam for nights that call for unforgettable style.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin-lined fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Sheer lace corset-style bodice, flexible boning, embellishments
- Back zipper closure
- Ruched bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, bridal celebrations, bachelorettes, engagement photoshoots, cocktail parties, birthday dinners, date nights, formal dances
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000267
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Daniela Floral Beaded Mini Tube Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and captivating, the Daniela floral beaded mini tube dress is modern glamour. With its sleek silhouette and beaded embellishments, it’s the piece that turns any occasion into a stylish affair.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Large floral print, all-over beaded and sequin embellishments
- Strapless straight-across neckline, no-slip strip, padded bust, underbust seam
- Lower back cutout
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, rooftop parties, dressed-up dinners, and romantic date nights.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-001114
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: IVORY, PRINT
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Marabella Mesh Corset Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Effortlessly alluring, the Marabelle mesh gown captivates with a corset-style bodice, daring thigh-high slit, and lace-up back detail. The sleek mermaid silhouette was made for entrances that linger long after you’ve arrived.
Fit & Features
- Mesh-lined fabric with stretch
- Cowl pleated neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Corset-style bodice with flexible boning, back zipper and hook-eye closure
- High front slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Black tie weddings, galas, charity and military balls, red-carpet events, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, upscale birthdays, formal milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000210
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PURPLE, NAVY
Available Size: XS, L, XL, S, M
Product Badge:- Best Seller
-
Hayden Halter Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Flirt with the spotlight in the Hayden embroidered mini dress, designed with a high halter neckline and an open lace-up back that wows from every angle. Its textured floral finish adds just the right touch of luxe.
Fit & Features
- Embroidered woven-lined fabric
- High halter neckline
- Open lace-up back design
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, engagement parties, baby showers, bridal showers, fancy brunches, birthdays, milestone celebrations, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000255
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Lisa Velvet Mini Dress With Gloves
Special Occasion
Opulent and unforgettable, the Lisa velvet mini dress stuns with its bodycon fit, embellished sweetheart bodice, and matching opera-length gloves. A true statement-maker, it’s designed for evenings that call for pure drama and allure.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric
- Strapless sweetheart neckline with applique trim, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Long gloves included
Where to Wear:
HOCO, weddings, black tie occasions, birthday events, opera and theatre nights, cocktail soirees, fancy date nights, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000256
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Adriana Sequin Tie-Back Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Turn heads under the lights in the Adriana sequin mini dress, designed with a sleek cowl neckline and an open tie-back for a dose of drama. Sleek, sparkling, and made to move with you—it’s the ultimate party dress.
Fit & Features
- Sequin, beaded embellishments, mesh-lined fabric
- Square neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open tie-back detail
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday dinners, cocktail parties, date nights, bachelorettes, glam events, rooftop hotel bars, Vegas
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000260
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Noella Beaded V-Neck Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to catch the light (and the stares), the Noella beaded mini dress hugs every curve with a sleek bodycon fit. Its delicate straps and timeless neckline make it the ultimate piece for glamorous nights out.
Fit & Features
- Beaded-embellishments, mesh fabric, sewn-in knit lining
- V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon fit
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, bachelorettes, birthdays, date nights, glam celebrations, rooftop hotel bars, Vegas, GNO
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000258
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Ariel Velvet Slit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Opulent and unforgettable, the Ariel velvet gown drapes the figure with a liquid-like finish, featuring a sweetheart neckline and daring thigh slit. Finished with delicate straps and a floor-sweeping hem, it’s a timeless look that guarantees a showstopping entrance.
Fit & Features
- Velvet fabric
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-neckline
- High side slit
- Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie galas, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, upscale birthday events, milestone celebrations, holiday soirees, military ball, anniversary party
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000209
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Lane Halter Strappy Lace Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Set to stun at any formal soiree, the Lane lace formal dress captivates every eye with its beauty! This dress boasts a sultry halter plunge neckline atop a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette, while the low strappy back turns heads.
Fit & Features
- Lace-lined fabric
- Halter plunge neckline with bar strap accents, padded bra cups
- Low strappy back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- Floor-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, black tie parties, galas, fancy dinner parties, formal celebrations, cocktail soirees, date night
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000215
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Aleena Sequin Flower Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for a head-turning arrival, the Aleena sequin mini dress brings soft glam with high-impact shine. Designed in a sequin-covered stretch fabric, this bodycon mini features a halter V-neckline and an eye-catching floral accent that feels both flirty and elevated.
Fit & Features
- Sequin-embellished fabric
- Halter V-neckline, padded bra cups
- Flower accent
- Open back, zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, bachelorettes, bridal showers, date nights, garden parties, cocktail soirees, fancy brunches, birthdays, rooftop hotel bars
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000250
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Charlee Floral Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Flirty yet refined, the Charlee was made for your soirée spotlight moment. Its strapless neckline, shimmering floral sequins, and sculpted bodycon fit create a romantic silhouette that turns every entrance into a photo op.
Fit & Features
- Floral print, sequin-embellished fabric
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Flexible boning inserts
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, birthdays, date nights, cocktail soirees, rooftop hotel bars, dinner parties, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000073
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Mira Sequin Bead Strappy Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for nights that call for all eyes on you, the Mira sequin bead mini dress shimmers with every step. The bodycon silhouette pairs a draped cowl neckline with a delicate strappy open back for an unforgettable finish.
Fit & Features
- Sequin, beaded embellishments, mesh-lined fabric
- Cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Strappy open back
- Bodycon fit, mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal dances, bachelorettes, date nights, birthdays, milestone celebrations, rooftop hotel bars, glam soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000247
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: YELLOW, PINK, BLACK, MINT, LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Arianna Rhinestone Mesh High Slit Column Dress
Special Occasion
Steal the room’s attention the moment you walk in—the Arianna rhinestone mesh column dress glimmers with every step, its sleek silhouette finished with dual daring high slits for a flawless mix of elegance and allure. Designed for nights when the spotlight naturally finds you.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with full-length knit lining, high stretch
- Rhinestone embellishments, diamond-shaped pattern
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper with hook-eye closure
- Dual high-cut side slits
- Floor-length column silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal weddings, dinner parties, birthday celebrations, romantic date nights, and black-tie affairs.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000204
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $99.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Sally Floral Beaded Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Light, romantic, and effortlessly polished, the Sally dress is made for celebrations that feel intimate yet unforgettable. This beaded mesh bodycon mini features a garden floral print, V-neck, and delicate spaghetti straps for a look that feels refined, flattering, and perfectly occasion ready.
Fit & Features
- Beaded mesh-lined fabric with garden floral print
- V-neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted bodycon mini silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Formal dances, date nights, bridal celebrations, baby showers, birthday brunches, outdoor cocktail receptions, winery events, dressy daytime parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000244
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: IVORY
Available Size: L
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Karlie Satin Strapless Slit Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Elegant with just the right edge, the Karlie formal dress owns the room quietly but completely. Cut from glossy satin in a form-hugging silhouette, this strapless midi dress stuns with soft draping and a front slit that says you're not just arriving—you’re making an entrance.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Strapless neckline
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Front slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, wedding showers, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, date nights, cocktail soirees, dinner parties, black tie galas, birthdays, formal events
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Julietta Floral Sequin Lace-Up Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Shine bright in the Julietta sequin floral mini dress, designed with a curve-hugging silhouette and strappy lace-up back. Playful yet polished, it’s the perfect look for nights that deserve a little sparkle.
Fit & Features
- Floral pattern, sequin-embellished, lined fabric
- V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back design
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthdays or celebrations, dinner dates, dressy cocktail soirees, glamorous brunch events, bridal showers, engagement parties, bachelorettes, baby showers
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000242
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Madilyn Sequin Beaded Halter Mini Dress
Special Occasion
When the vibe calls for all-out glam, the Madilyn sequin beaded mesh mini dress pairs a curve-hugging fit with a chic tie-back halter neckline. Every detail is designed to catch the light, making it ideal for nights that deserve a little extra shine.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with sewn-in knit lining, high stretch
- All-over sequin and beaded embellishments
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded bust, cowl neck overlay
- Chiffon tie-back halter straps, partially open back, zipper with hook-eye closure
- Ruched detailing
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthday celebrations, brides-to-be, bachelorette parties, dressed-up dinners, romantic date nights, and glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000236
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $129.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Alex Satin V-Neck Slit Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Designed to command the room, the Alex formal dress is all sleek confidence with its satin fabric, sculpting midi silhouette, and dramatic plunge neckline. A subtle side slit adds just the right touch of allure, perfect for the kind of entrance that turns heads.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric
- Plunge V-neckline, wide shoulder straps
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Side slit
- Form-hugging silhouette
- Midi-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, date night, birthdays, black tie galas, bridal showers, anniversaries, dinner parties, receptions, cocktail soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000233
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Maribel Sequin Bead Halter Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made for nights that call for sparkle, the Maribel sequin bead halter mini dress drapes in a bodycon silhouette with a daring plunge and an open back cutout. A party-perfect piece that guarantees every entrance feels electric.
Fit & Features
- Printed mesh fabric, sequins, beading, sewn-in knit lining
- Plunge halter neckline with tie closure
- Padded bra cups
- Open back cutout with strap detail
- Bodycon fit
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
HOCO, birthday parties, bachelorettes, glam soirees, milestone celebrations, date nights
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000234
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
-
Luna Floral High Low Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sculpted to stun, the Luna Floral brocade strapless mermaid dress is made for moments that demand grace and glamour. The curve-skimming silhouette flows into a ruffle hem that moves beautifully with every step.
Fit & Features
- Floral brocade pattern, woven fabric, short woven lining
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups, non-slip grip lining
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Mermaid silhouette
- High-low ruffled hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, fancy brunches, birthdays, date nights, milestone celebrations, black tie galas, garden parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-000203
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Alora Sequin Beaded Floral Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Made to mesmerize the moment you walk in, the Alora strapless mini dress shimmers with intricate sequin beading and a dramatic floral design. Sleek and sculpted, it’s the perfect piece for stepping into the night with confidence and allure.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric with knit lining, high stretch
- Large floral print
- All-over sequin and beaded embellishments
- Strapless sweetheart neckline, twisted bust design
- Mini-length bodycon silhouette
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, dressed-up dinners, romantic date nights, birthday parties, or glam nights out.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000237
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: BLACK
Available Size: S, M
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Carly Satin Sash Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Effortless drama meets sculpted glamour in the Carly strapless satin mini dress, designed with pleated detailing and a cascading side sash that floats with every step. The bodycon silhouette creates a sleek, modern hourglass moment—perfect for a night that calls for all eyes on you.
Fit & Features
- Stretch satin fabric lined with stretchy knit
- Strapless neckline, non-slip grip lining, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Pleated bodycon mini-length silhouette
- Side cascading sash
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthdays, date nights, bachelorettes, cocktail parties, galas, black tie soirees
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000231
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $69.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Astrid Floral Beaded Strapless Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Effortlessly striking, the Astrid floral beaded strapless dress is designed to shimmer with every step. The bodycon silhouette and cutout back detail create a chic, polished look that feels unforgettable for any occasion.
Fit & Features
- Floral pattern, beaded-embellishments
- Mesh-lined fabric, moderate stretch
- Strapless neckline, padded bra cups
- Cutout back
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, birthdays, date nights, fancy brunches, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorettes, rooftop hotel soirees, milestone celebrations
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000232
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: LIGHT, BLUE
Available Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXS
Product Badge:- Ships Free
-
Hilary Tropical Floral Bead Mini Dress
Special Occasion
The Hilary mini dress is pure getaway glamour, made for warm nights and dance-floor lights. Intricate beading shimmers over a tropical floral motif, while the sleek cowl tube neckline and curve-hugging mini silhouette bring sultry sophistication to any occasion.
Fit & Features
- Tropical floral print, beaded mesh fabric, stretch knit lining
- Strapless cowl neckline, no-slip strip, padded bra cups
- Back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Bodycon silhouette
- Mini-length hem
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Homecoming, date nights, vacations, rooftop hotel bars, dinner soirees, cocktail parties, and birthdays.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-000225
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $89.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: PINK, MINT
Available Size: XXS, XS, S, M, L
Product Badge:- Ships Free